The Situation
This national utility contractor had grown revenues by 30% over six years and had recently secured investment from a global industry backer. Their electrical utility offering (ICP and iDNO) had established them as a network owner. But while they had long delivered water‑related construction projects, they lacked NAV accreditation. To unlock the investor’s plan to more than double turnover, they needed to build a fully‑fledged water operation from scratch.
The Consequences
Without a leader who could set the business up as an accredited NAV operator, the growth plan stalled before it started. The role required someone who could hold regulatory responsibility, manage service delivery performance, and carry credibility with OFWAT. Any compromise risked delaying accreditation, weakening investor confidence, and slowing the expansion strategy.
The Challenge
This was one of the narrowest briefs imaginable. The talent pool consisted of two sources: senior leaders within the major water authorities, or individuals from the handful of NAV operators in the market. Both came with constraints. Authority leaders were long‑serving, well‑benefited, and risk‑averse. Most NAV businesses were young, and often staffed by owners
The Approach
Given the precision required, full collaboration with both the CEO and the interim leader was imperative. From a full market mapping exercise, I identified 47 individuals with the regulatory and operational background required. Each was approached directly, with continued dialogue with both stakeholders throughout.
The Result
Nine of the 47 submitted CVs, six were interviewed, and four were recommended to the client. Two progressed to second stage, and one was ultimately appointed, who brought with her the regulatory authority, operational depth, and OFWAT‑facing credibility needed to secure NAV accreditation and deliver the investor’s growth plan.
Does this resonate?
If your growth strategy depends on a leader who sits at the intersection of regulation, operations, and stakeholder influence, the talent pool may be far narrower than you think. The right person often sits inside a market few have ever mapped properly.
Let’s talk — mgoldsmith@mgheadhunting.co.uk / 07570 740490
